CareerBuilder.com recently released findings from a survey which revealed that 44 percent of American workers have packed on a few extra pounds while at work. Twenty-six percent of employees gained over ten pounds and 14 percent gained 20 pounds.
According to CareerBuilder, certain jobs have a higher incidence of workers experiencing weight gain. The site says that this is closely linked to work environments where employees sit all day and to places of work with high stress levels. Over half of employees who gained weight at work said it occurred as a result of sitting at their desks for long periods of time.
Some other factors to blame for weight gain include going out to eat with coworkers and clients, which accounts for 23 percent of weight gain. Holiday workplace celebrations account for 18 percent, while eating baked goods and treats that other coworkers bring in to share accounts for ten percent of weight gain.
Ten careers where employees have the highest likelihood of weight gain include:
1.Travel Agent
2.Attorney/judge
3.Social worker
4.Teacher
5.Artist
6.Administrative assistant
7.Physician
8.Protective services (police, firefighter)
9.Marketing and public relations
10.Information technology professional
Despite the high likelihood of gaining weight at the work place, some employers are making attempts at trying to help employees shed these pounds. "Twenty-nine percent of companies provide gym passes, workout facilities or wellness benefits for their employees," said CareerBuilder's Vice President of human resources, Rosemary Haefner to MSNBC. "But only 10 percent of workers say they take advantage of the benefit."
